Powerhouse Dynamics eMonitor4-14 User manual

eMonitor4
Installation Guide
Rev 1.8.6 –June 10, 2013

© 2012 Powerhouse Dynamics, Inc. Page 2
Installation Process: Quick Overview
Please review the full Installation Guide before proceeding; this Overview provides the steps
only, but not the level of detail you will need to safely install the eMonitor. Installation should
be performed by a licensed electrician.
Step 1: Turn off the power to the home and open the circuit panel (unscrew the
cover). Connect the black wire of the power cable to an empty breaker and
the white wire to the neutral bar. Next clamp the large eMonitor sensors
onto the incoming Main power lines and then the appropriate sensors to
all other circuits being monitored, recording each circuit’s information on
the Channel Setup Worksheet as you go. Do not attempt to complete
this installation unless you are very familiar with the electrical
components and operation of the circuit breaker panel. Please refer to
the body of the Installation Guide for safety issues and complete
instructions; do not install the sensors until you have read the entire
manual.
Step 2: Connect the other end of the sensors to the eMonitor Channel ports on the
eMonitor Base Unit. If you are installing an eMonitor-24 you will also need to connect some of
the sensors to an Expansion Pod. For
an eMonitor4-44 you will need 3
Expansion Pods. Place the provided
labels on the sensors and the wire near
the connection to the eMonitor to
keep track of which circuits have been
connected to which eMonitor Channels. Connect the other end of the power cable to the
eMonitor Base Unit and find a convenient space to mount the unit inside the panel. (Make sure
the eMonitor is not powered up until all the xPods have been connected). You can then
organize the wires with the provided wire ties. Close the circuit panel, turn power back on, and
plug the eMonitor Gateway into an electrical outlet.
Step 3: Connect the eMonitor Gateway to the broadband Internet network in your home. This version of
the eMonitor requires a Wi-Fi connection unless there was a special order, as described in
Section 2.6. Once the Gateway is connected to the Internet, the LINK light should turn solid
green. In addition, it should be “discovered” by any previously unpaired eMonitor; once that
happens, the Gateway’s DATA light will turn solid green as well.
Step 4: Register and configure the eMonitor online. Please go to http://emonitor.us/setup and follow
the on-screen instructions. This process can, but need not, be completed by the person who
installed the unit, and will require a completed Channel Setup Worksheet. You will be able to
access your eMonitor Dashboard at www.emonitor.us after you complete the Registration and
Configuration process.

© 2012 Powerhouse Dynamics, Inc. Page 3
eMonitor4 Installation Guide
Table of Contents
Installation Process: Quick Overview ............................................................... 2
1. Getting Started............................................................................................................... 4
Unpacking the eMonitor ............................................................................................... 5
Parts & Accessories Included: ....................................................................................... 5
Required Tools............................................................................................................... 6
2. Setting up the eMonitor................................................................................................. 7
2.1 eMonitor Base Unit, Gateway, and Expansion Pods............................................. 7
2.2 The Sensors ............................................................................................................ 8
2.3 The Electrical (Circuit Breaker) Panel ..................................................................... 8
2.4 Channel Setup Worksheet...................................................................................... 9
2.5 Installing the eMonitor ......................................................................................... 12
2.6 Installing and Connecting the eMonitor Gateway ............................................... 20
3. Registering and Configuring Your eMonitor ................................................................ 25
Step 1: Contact and Location Information. ......................................................... 26
Step 2: Utility and Rate Information.................................................................... 27
Step 3: Channel Configuration............................................................................. 28
Appendices ..................................................................................................................... 34
A. How to Prioritize the Circuits to Monitor with the eMonitor ...................................... 34
B. Explanations of Fields on Channel Configuration Page ................................................ 36
C. Frequently Asked Questions......................................................................................... 37
D. Support & Troubleshooting.......................................................................................... 38
E. Setting up Smart Thermostats ………………………………………………………………………………….40
F. Specifications for the eMonitor .................................................................................... 44
Warnings ........................................................................................................................... 46
Warranty ........................................................................................................................... 49

© 2012 Powerhouse Dynamics, Inc. Page 4
1. Getting Started
NOTE: Installation should not be started until the qualified installer has read this entire
Installation Guide.
Important Safety Information
The eMonitor is one of the first home energy management solutions that monitors all of the
circuits in your home independently, and therefore is able to provide you with a detailed view
of your electricity usage. In order to do this, sensors need to be installed on each circuit
breaker inside your electrical panel. The installation is very straightforward, and every effort
has been made to provide for the safe, secure installation of the eMonitor. However, the
installation of the eMonitor requires the cover of the main electrical circuit breaker panel to be
removed.
When this is done, there is the potential hazard of shock, burn,
or even electrocution.
Even when the Main Circuit Breaker has been turned to the
“OFF” position, there may still be areas within the circuit
breaker panel that are electrified, or “hot”. Installation should
be performed by a licensed electrician.
This model of the eMonitor is suitable for installation with 120/240V single-phase 60Hz service,
normally found in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico as well as portions of the Caribbean
and Central and South America). It is not suitable for 3-phase service, or for 230V 50Hz service
commonly found in other regions of the world. If you have 3-Phase power, you will need to
install the eMonitor c-Series rather than the eMonitor4.
All wiring in the United States must be installed in accordance with the latest adopted edition
of the National Electrical Code (ANSI/NFPA 70, NEC) and state or local requirements. All wiring
in Canada must be installed in accordance with the latest adopted edition of the Canadian
Electrical Code (CSA C22.2 CEC, Part I) and any provincial or local requirements.
A typical installation of a 24-channel eMonitor unit should take approximately one hour.

© 2012 Powerhouse Dynamics, Inc. Page 5
Unpacking the eMonitor
Unpack the eMonitor box. Be very careful of the eMonitor Base Unit and any Expansion Pods as
they represent sensitive measuring instruments. Check to see that all parts are included in the
package. If you are missing any parts from the list, please contact your Authorized Dealer.
Parts & Accessories Included:
eMonitor Base Unit
Expansion Pod (xPod)
eMonitor Gateway
Spring-Loaded 150-Amp Sensors
Split-Core CT 50-Amp Sensors—black
Split-Core CT 20-Amp Sensors—white
Power Cable (for Base Unit)
Power Supply (for Gateway)
Installation Guide
(what you are reading now)
Wire Ties (10)
eMonitor Channel Setup Worksheet (3)

© 2012 Powerhouse Dynamics, Inc. Page 6
Required Tools
• Flathead screwdriver
• Phillips-head screwdriver –small
• Flashlight (a head lamp if you have it!)
MODEL
150A CTs
50A CTs
20A CTs
xPods
eMonitor4-14
2
6
6
0
eMonitor4-14s
0
6
8
0
eMonitor4-24
2
6
16
1
eMonitor4-24s
0
6
18
1
eMonitor4-44
2
10
32
3
eMonitor4-44s
0
10
34
3
Sensors and xPods included with each model

© 2012 Powerhouse Dynamics, Inc. Page 7
2. Setting up the eMonitor
2.1 eMonitor Base Unit, Gateway and Expansion Pods
The core of the eMonitor is the eMonitor Base Unit. (This will sometimes be referred to simply
as the eMonitor). Normally it is mounted inside your home’s circuit breaker panel, which must
be a UL or equivalent listed electrical distribution box. The eMonitor Base Unit is designed to
monitor your Mains (power coming in from the utility grid) and up to 12 branch circuits. It then
communicates via wireless radio (not Wi-Fi) to the eMonitor Gateway, which in turn connects
to the broadband service in your home. You can connect to the Internet either via Wi-Fi or
direct Ethernet connection, depending upon how the Gateway has been configured.
The Gateway can be mounted on the wall or on a table, and should be within about 30 feet of
the eMonitor.
Your eMonitor comes with a set of sensors that clamp on to the circuits. Generally, two sensors
are used on all Main Electric Panels to monitor power coming in through the Mains, which are
the large wires coming into the circuit panel (although the eMonitor can also monitor
additional power inputs). The remaining sensors are used to monitor individual (branch)
circuits. If you purchased an eMonitor4-24, you will also have received an eMonitor Expansion
Pod (or xPod). This also goes inside the circuit panel and can monitor 10 additional branch
circuits. It is connected to the eMonitor by a simple cable. (With an eMonitor4-44 you receive
3 xPods and their associated sensors).
On the side of the Base Unit and the xPods are ports, or Channels, for connecting the sensors.
The ports are numbered 1-14 on the Base Unit and 1-10 on each xPod. The sensors are
provided as paired sets, which connect to double ports. The sensors are marked L and R to
correspond to the odd and even channels respectively, in order to help you keep track of which
circuit has been attached to which Channel. Make sure the first xPod you install (even if you
only install 1) has the switch set to the A position; this will be explained further later.
If You Have More Than One Circuit Breaker Panel: You can install eMonitor
s-model Base Units at any sub-panel. Sub-panel installation is identical to installation at
the Main Panel, with the exception described on page 18. A single Gateway can support
up to 10 eMonitors that are in range. If some of your sub-panels are too far away from
the Gateway, you can install multiple Gateways. Appendix A will help you decide which
circuits to monitor if you decide not to install additional eMonitor Base Units or monitor
all circuits.

© 2012 Powerhouse Dynamics, Inc. Page 8
For simplicity, this Guide will assume the installation of an eMonitor4-24; installation of other
models follows the same process.
It’s extremely important to record accurately which Channels are connected to which circuits,
using the Channel Setup Worksheet included with your unit, as described later.
2.2 The Sensors (also known as Current Transformers, or CTs)
For each circuit you wish to monitor, a sensor needs to be clamped around the wire coming out
of the breaker in the panel. You will also install a large sensor on each of the Main lines feeding
the panel. NOTE: Sensors are clamped around the insulated portion of the wire, NOT on bare
wires. When the sensor is clamped securely closed (you should hear a click), it will be loose
around the wire. This is normal.
Three types of sensors are included in the box. The number of sensors you should have was
outlined in the Parts list above. As an example, for an eMonitor-24 you will have the following
sensors:
Two large 150-Amp spring loaded sensors (connected together), intended ONLY for
measurement of the incoming (Main) power lines.
Six 50-Amp (black) sensors (3 pairs) for 240-Volt circuits which are the double breakers
designed for large electric loads, such as electric water heaters or dryers.
Sixteen 20-Amp sensors (8 pairs) used for monitoring single, 120-Volt circuits.
If you end up with more 50-Amp sensors than you need, and not enough 20-Amp sensors, you
may use the extra 50-Amp sensors on smaller circuits and vice versa, although they may not
measure as accurately. (20-Amp CTs should measure accurately for up to a 30-Amp breaker;
50-Amp CTs should provide good results for breaker sizes between 30 and 90). As described
later, in this case it is particularly important to identify the size of the sensors that you use on
each circuit on your Channel Setup Worksheet. Your Authorized Dealer can also provide
additional sensors in the sizes you need.
2.3 The Electrical (Circuit Breaker) Panel
Most (but not all) electrical panels have two columns of circuit breakers, with each breaker
controlling power to part of your home, as shown in the picture below. There will usually be
labels associated with the breakers, either on the inside door of the panel or on the breakers
themselves.

© 2012 Powerhouse Dynamics, Inc. Page 9
Finding Which Circuits Power Which Devices and Appliances:
If you are concerned about the accuracy of your labels, the easiest way to verify them is to
turn “on” all electrical appliances, lights and outlets in your home, and then turn “off” one
breaker at a time and observe where power turns off. Also check wall outlets, clothes
washer/ dryers, outdoor lighting and other items that may not be as visible. Of course, you
can also check only the breakers that you might not be sure about. Electricians will often
have equipment that can help quickly test breaker connections. Use the Channel Setup
Worksheet to mark circuits as you identify them. You can always change circuit information
after installation.
Generally, each circuit breaker will be labelled, but in some cases, especially in older or
remodelled homes, the labels are incorrect or missing. (NOTE: Not all circuit breakers are used
in all cases, so a missing label could simply mean that the circuit is not powering anything).
Before physically installing the eMonitor, it is suggested that you verify the labels on each
circuit breaker inside the panel. Taking the time to identify exactly which breaker controls
which items will result in a good installation, productive on line set up and the best customer
experience. Verifying the circuit labels will also come in handy if you ever experience an
electrical problem and want to check the appropriate circuit. Please note, however, that it is
also possible to use the installed eMonitor to help identify miss-labeled circuits.
2.4 Channel Setup Worksheet
During the Installation process, the installer needs to fill out the Channel Setup Worksheet. An
example is given below for an eMonitor-24 unit. (In this case, the customer has purchased a
Software License that includes the monitoring of a renewable energy source). This Worksheet

© 2012 Powerhouse Dynamics, Inc. Page 10
is critical for configuring the eMonitor correctly in order to be able to accurately measure the
energy use on different circuits. To make your job easier, this form should be filled out as the
sensors are being attached. The form is divided into two sections. The upper section asks for
general information about the home and the eMonitor, specifically the following:
Serial # of the eMonitor Base Unit being installed, along with the Serial # of the Gateway
you are connecting it to. (The first 5 digits will be pre-filled).
Your description of the Circuit Panel to which the eMonitor is attached (e.g. “Main
Panel”)
Location (street address) of the installation
The number of the breaker you used to power the eMonitor Base Unit
If for some reason you are unable to connect sensors to the Mains (some panels make
that difficult), check the Computed Mains box and the eMonitor will add up all of the
branch circuits in order to compute total usage. (You need to monitor all circuits for this
to work effectively, or at least all feeds to sub-panels if you are not monitoring them)
The next section has information on the breakers and circuits, as well as the Channels that they
are connected to. In this section of the Worksheet, please:
Record the Breaker Number as it appears on the electrical panel
Enter the rated size of the circuit breaker, measured in amps (this is always shown on
the breaker)
Check if it is a double (sometimes called double pole) breaker, which is used for 240-Volt
appliances such as electric dryers and stoves. Double breakers have 2 breakers linked
together. (Some electric panels have pairs of small, space saving breakers. If they are
not linked together, they are not double breakers)
Enter the Label, as described earlier
Check the type of sensor you used on the circuit. As described earlier, you should
generally place the 20-Amp sensors on 120-Volt circuits and the 50-Amp sensors on the
240-Volt circuits, but this may not always be possible given your supply of sensors. (If
you needed a larger sensor, please note the size on the worksheet).
Indicate if you used 2 sensors on a 240v circuit
(explanation to follow)
There is also a “Notes” field at the back of the page to
identify anything unusual.